Enter Snowman: Mariano Rivera pitches off a mound

Nov. 19, 2012
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Mariano Rivera was all thumbs-up after tossing out the first pitch at a playoff game in October, but he and the Yankees have yet to finalize a 2013 contract. / The Star-Ledger-US PRESSWIRE US PRESSWIRE

by Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY Sports

by Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY Sports

The last image Yankees fans had of an active Mariano Rivera was the great reliever writhing on the Kauffman Stadium warning track, his season and, perhaps, his career over thanks to a batting-practice mishap in Kansas City.

So the image of Mo thowing pitches off a mound surrounded by snow would surely seem heavenly by comparison.

Rivera made his first public pitch(es) since the injury by throwing off a mound at a school in Tarrytown, N.Y., near his home in Westchester County.

Rivera also was there to promote the official New York Yankees fragrance and promote his own line within that brand.

While he mostly reiterated that he didn't want to see his career end due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, he also note that he and the Yankees have yet to formalize his return.

But that still figures to happen.

"We haven't discussed anything," Rivera said of the Yankees. "We're talking, so hopefully we'll finalize everything. I have something left. Give it a shot, why not?"